Travelling from Seoul to Tokyo: what you need to know
Seoul has two main airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Seoul to Tokyo flying out of Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP).
When it comes to working out where to land in Tokyo, Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are the primary gateways.
The average time for a direct Seoul to Tokyo flight is 2 hours 20 minutes.
Seoul and Tokyo are both in the UTC+9 timezone. That means there's no time difference to adjust for.
With 211 weekly flights between the two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Narita International Airport (NRT) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Seoul to Tokyo with Air Busan at 07:15. If you prefer to get more out of your day before you fly, the last flight from ICN to NRT is with Red Sea Airlines at 18:55.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your Seoul to Tokyo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Tokyo
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Tokyo is R 410. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 1,948. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
To secure cheap Seoul to Tokyo flights, book your trip one month ahead of your departure date.
Schedule your trip for April. That's the best month for landing great bargains on plane tickets from Seoul to Tokyo. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
There's no need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Seoul to Tokyo.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Seoul to Tokyo flights.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Set out from Incheon International Airport (ICN) and fly straight through to Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT). If you're looking for a direct flight from Seoul to Tokyo out of ICN, those are your arrival choices.
Direct Seoul to Tokyo plane tickets are offered by numerous airlines at ICN. Take flight with one of these carriers:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing Seoul to Tokyo flights departing from Incheon International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
From central Seoul, ICN is around 48 kilometres away. Use navigation apps or visit the official airport website to work out the best way to reach the terminal.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Incheon International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Seoul to Tokyo or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to Incheon International Airport's on-time performance, 54.5% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Consider booking your direct flight from Seoul to Tokyo out of Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Nonstop connections from GMP will get you to Haneda Airport (HND).
GMP has a range of airlines that offer direct Seoul to Tokyo plane tickets. Board your flight with one of these:
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Seoul to Tokyo flight. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, here's where you can stop between Gimpo International Airport and Tokyo:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Jeju International Airport (CJU)
GMP is about 16 kilometres from central Seoul. Plan ahead to find the quickest way to get to the terminal.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Seoul to Tokyo? Kick back in a hotel near Gimpo International Airport before your break officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
76% of flights taking off from Gimpo International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
Arriving in Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport (HND) to central Tokyo takes around 15 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 18 kilometres away.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Seoul to Tokyo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near HND instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Haneda Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Europcar, Nissan Rent a Car or Times and explore beyond Tokyo's main sights.
Reserving your vehicle from Haneda Airport about three weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
You'll find HND at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
As soon as your flight from Seoul to Tokyo has landed, you can reach the city centre in about 1 hour by car. Central Tokyo is roughly 56 kilometres from Narita International Airport (NRT).
After your flight from Seoul to Tokyo, unwind at a hotel close to NRT. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Narita International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Airport Car Hire, JDM Rent a car or Miki Car Hire and be off and running.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from NRT four weeks in advance often means lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Narita International Airport can be found at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Best time to go to Tokyo
April is the most popular month for flights from Seoul to Tokyo. To avoid the crowds, go to Tokyo in February.
Book a Seoul to Tokyo ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Tokyo to range from 26ºC (79ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Seoul to Tokyo in February when temperatures average between 15ºC (59ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Tokyo
Start your Tokyo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Seoul to Tokyo, browse our range of hotels including:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple Yogodo and Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing are must-do's during your Tokyo adventure.
Explore more of Japan
You've visited Tokyo, now it's time to explore other corners of Japan. Journey around 31 kilometres south-west to Yokohama to tick off its must-visit sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Osaka is another must-experience destination in Japan and is around 402 kilometres west of Tokyo. No journey is complete without seeing Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan.